In this roundtable, participants will discover why widgets will be much bigger in mobile than the PC/web and learn about the new, global mobile widget standard that has these “mini-apps” poised for rapid growth on the heels of mass compatibility.

On June 16, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes virtual guest speaker Mark Caron presenting, “The Coming Global Wave of Mobile Widgets.” Mr. Caron, based in New York City, is the Founder and CEO of Snac, Inc. He has spent his career playing a leading role in bringing mobile services to the mass-market; starting with digital wireless services in the 1990s, text messaging in the early 2000s, and now the mobile internet with his latest start-up, Snac, Inc.

Take a look at these interesting statistics:

80% of mobile consumers would increase content usage if faster and more reliable. (Equation Research survey of 1001 US mobile web users – 9/09)

iPhones only comprise only 6-7% of the US market/other smartphones only add another 16-17%. (Yankee Group – 9/09 extrapolated)

The average free iPhone app loses 90% of it users after the first 8-9 days. (Pinch Media)

The average US mobile site gets only 2 unique visits/month. (Crisp Wireless)

Consumer-facing companies in the US are spending more than $1 billion/year trying to engage mobile users. (eMarketer, Mobile Marketing Association, and company estimates)

In this roundtable, participants will:

Discover why widgets will be much bigger in mobile than the PC/web

Learn about the new, global mobile widget standard that has these “mini-apps” poised for rapid growth on the heels of mass compatibility

See fast, flexible and dynamic widgets in action to witness the next trend in mobile content delivery

Roundtable presenters will address major factors impacting the mobile industry and highlight success stories. Following the insightful mobile industry presentation, participants will benefit from networking opportunities to share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

ITA roundtables are a benefit of ITA membership. Members of the general Illinois technology community are always welcome to check out any ITA roundtables free-of-charge. Roundtable events are held in downtown Chicago, across from the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower) at 200 S Wacker Dr, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 957-8579
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Mark CaronFounder/CEO of Snac, Inc., New York, New York

Mark Caron has spent his career playing a leading role in bringing mobile services to the mass-market; starting with digital wireless services in the 1990s, text messaging in the early 2000s, and now the mobile internet with his latest start-up, Snac, Inc. Prior to founding Snac, Mark was Founder/CEO of MobileSpring/Ztango (now part of Real Networks). Under his leadership, the company developed and deployed in 2001, the first inter-carrier text messaging network, enabling messages to travel cross-network and kicking off the explosion in text messaging. After merging with Ztango, Mark as CEO led the company in offering a range of messaging and mobile content services to nearly all tier 1 and tier 2 US carriers. Before MobileSpring/Ztango, Mark was a co-founder and lead marketing executive at Omnipoint Communications, the first GSM carrier in the Northeast (now part of T-Mobile). Mark started his wireless career at Ericsson as a Product Manager, after working in information systems and telecommunications at GE. He has an AB in Computer Science from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

About The Mobile Visionary Roundtable
The Mobile Visionary Roundtable offers a forum for ITA members to engage in active networking and interactive, high-gain, topical discussions regarding mobile marketing and technology. The monthly Mobile Visionary Roundtables feature mobile expert guest speakers, including mobile strategists, marketers and developers from around the world.

About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of more than 650 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information is available at http://www.IllinoisTech.org

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

Mobile and social media have redefined how we buy, sell and interact. Brands that can adapt and engage using these communication mediums will have a competitive advantage.

On May 19, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes guest speaker Webster Lewin presenting, “How to Leverage the Relationship Between Mobile and Social Media to Build Brands.” Mr. Lewin, based in New York City, is the Senior Vice President, Director of Digital Innovation at MS@LGroup North America.

On May 19, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes guest speaker Webster Lewin presenting, “How to Leverage the Relationship Between Mobile and Social Media to Build Brands.” Mr. Lewin, based in New York City, is the Senior Vice President, Director of Digital Innovation at MS&L Group North America.

Mobile and social media have redefined how we buy, sell and interact. Brands that can adapt and engage using these communication mediums will have a competitive advantage. Roundtable presenters will address major global factors impacting the mobile industry and highlight success stories.

Following the insightful mobile industry presentation, participants will split into themed mobile “20/20” breakout sessions, where they will enjoy networking opportunities and share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

In this roundtable, participants will:

Learn how mobile communications and social media are integrally related

Learn why some of the fastest growing social media networks are location-based mobile services like Foursquare, and how brands are beginning to use social-based proximity marketing

Find out who are the mobile social media “hyper-influencers” that can serve as super-advocates for your brand

Learn best practices and cost-effective ways to leverage mobile social media within your marketing and communications programs

Discover ways that mobile programs can achieve greater ROI though integrated with social media networks

ITA roundtables are a benefit of ITA membership. Members of the general Illinois technology community are always welcome to check out any ITA roundtables free-of-charge. Roundtable events are held in downtown Chicago, across from the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower) at 200 S Wacker Dr, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 957-8579
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Webster Lewin Senior Vice President, Director of Digital Innovation and Strategy MS&L Group North America, New York.
As a thought leader with nearly 18 years of experience in the interactive media and digital space, Webster is responsible for spearheading transformational digital thinking and strategy in MS&L’s North American offices. In 2008, Webster was elected to the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), North America Board of Directors. He also serves as co-chairman of the Education Committee of the MMA, and has been an active member of the MMA Mobile Advertising committee.

About The Mobile Visionary Roundtable
The Mobile Visionary Roundtable offers a forum for ITA members to engage in active networking and interactive, high-gain, topical discussions regarding mobile marketing and technology. The monthly Mobile Visionary Roundtables feature mobile expert guest speakers, including mobile strategists, marketers and developers from around the world.

About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of more than 650 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information is available at http://www.IllinoisTech.org

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

On February 17, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes guest speaker Alex Campbell presenting on Mobile Marketing and a Visionary Look Forward. Following the insightful educational portion of our roundtable, participants will split into themed mobile breakout sessions where they will enjoy networking opportunities and share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

Did you know mobile messaging revenues worldwide are expected to grow to $233 billion in 2014, up from about $150 billion in 2009, according to a new forecast issued by Portio Research? Additionally, according to Gartner, mobile app store revenues will reach $6.2 billion in 2010. Worldwide downloads are expected to surpass 21.6 billion by 2013.

Known throughout the industry for his candor regarding the state of mobile technology, Alex is a sought after speaker within the technology and financing circuits. He has won a number of awards throughout his career including Red Herring’s Top 25 Tech Rebels and Crain’s Business Chicago Top 40 Professionals under 40.

Following the insightful educational portion of our roundtable, participants will split into themed mobile breakout sessions where they will enjoy networking opportunities and share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

ITA roundtables are a benefit of ITA membership. Members of the general Illinois technology community are always welcome to check out any ITA roundtables free-of-charge. Roundtable events are held in downtown Chicago, across from the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower) at 200 S Wacker Dr, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 924-1681
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Alex Campbell
Alex has dedicated the past decade to pioneering the mobile marketing discipline and educating clients on its value as a viable marketing solution. A leader and visionary, his expertise has led to Vibes’ double digit growth, every year since 2004.

About The Mobile Visionary Roundtable
The Mobile Visionary Roundtable offers a forum for ITA members to engage in active networking and interactive, high-gain, topical discussions regarding mobile marketing and technology. The monthly Mobile Visionary Roundtables feature mobile expert guest speakers, including mobile strategists, marketers and developers from around the world.

About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of more than 650 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information is available at http://www.IllinoisTech.org

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

New technologies are available to marketers almost everyday. Unfortunately, the law does not change at the same rapid pace as technology. Avoiding the following 10 legal landmines will help keep your mobile marketing campaign out of hot water and in the minds of consumers where it belongs.

Countless case studies point to convincingly high success rates for well-executed mobile marketing campaigns. Results are measured by the size and quality of opt-in subscribers, offer redemptions and depth of customer engagement. This is all very exciting, however, lack of compliance with privacy laws and codes of conduct can invite trouble.

I’d like to introduce you to Tammi Franke, an accomplished attorney and Adjunct Professor at DePaul University’s Graduate Program in Public Relations and Advertising. I met her through the Illinois Technology Association where we chair separate monthly roundtable events. Tammi’s guest article below is a tremendous resource for marketers and technologists with mobile marketing responsibility.

The 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy A Mobile Marketing Campaign and How to Avoid Them

by Tammi Franke

New technologies are available to marketers almost everyday. The toolkit of today’s savvy marketer would seem like magic to the “Mad Men” of the 1960’s. Unfortunately, the law does not change at the same rapid pace as technology. This creates some uncertainty and no one wants to end up as a test case in court over a mobile campaign. Avoiding the following 10 legal landmines will help keep your mobile marketing campaign out of hot water and in the minds of consumers where it belongs.

1. Ignoring Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP).

Why this is a problem: In the U.S., Privacy laws are spread across several different pieces of federal and state legislation making compliance confusing and difficult. GAPP and its framework make compliance much easier.

How you can avoid this problem: Familiarize yourself with each of the GAPP principles. Make sure your mobile marketing campaign complies with the GAPP framework.

2. Ignoring the MMA Code of Conduct

Why this is a problem: The MMA Code of Conduct is the leading example of industry self-regulation and mirrors many of the GAPP principles. Ignoring the MMA Code of Conduct puts not only your campaign at risk but also puts the entire industry at risk of increased federal regulation.

How you can avoid this problem: Familiarize yourself with the MMA Code of Conduct Make sure your mobile marketing campaign complies with it.

Why this is a problem: Some messages to wireless devices are covered under CAN-SPAM and others, according to a recent California case, under the TCPA.For these reasons and customer service concerns, wireless carriers review and approve every broadcast mobile campaign over its network. If your campaign isn’t approved, the carriers may block it.

How you can avoid this problem: Using a leading aggregator or a short code from the Common Short Code Administration website, will simplify and expedite carrier approvals.

4. Short cutting your legal review/clearance process because “it’s only a text”.

Why this is a problem: FTC regulations apply to ads no matter how they are delivered. In fact, mobile campaigns are under a microscope now because of heightened privacy concerns and because additional charges apply for many consumers when they receive mobile ads.

How you can avoid this problem: Treat your mobile campaigns just like any other ad or marketing campaign and use the same clearance process prior to launch. Factor in the additional requirement for approval/clearance by wireless carriers.

5. Cutting out ad disclaimers because you don’t have room for them

Why this is a problem: Unfortunately, “I didn’t have enough room” is not a valid defense in a lawsuit. If your ad requires an ad disclaimer, you’re obligated to provide it. Just ask the pharmaceutical companies who received FDA warning letters for making claims in Google Adwords without the required disclaimers.

How you can avoid this problem: Revise the content in the mobile ad/text message so that it does not require a disclaimer or use mobile messaging as a tool for gathering opt-ins and information and not for pushing ad content.

6. Thinking you won’t get sued if you send an ad via text to a cell phone without permission. You will.

Why this is a problem: Several litigation firms who specialize in representing consumers with claims under the TCPA are now focusing on class action law suits for the receipt of unauthorized text messages. Many of these same firms previously brought class action “junk fax” suits under the TCPA.

How you can avoid this problem: Develop your own opt-in list with opt-in documentation for every mobile marketing message you send. Don’t rely on third parties to do your homework.

7. Sneaking in a mobile opt-in on another registration.

Why this is a problem: The TCPA requires the express consent of a consumer before a mobile marketing message is sent. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held in a recent case that an opt-in to receive messages from a company’s “affiliates and brands” did not constitute express written consent to receive a message from someone who purchased the opt-in list.

How you can avoid this problem: Develop your own opt-in list with opt-in documentation for every mobile marketing message you send. Don’t rely on consents given to third parties.

8. Ignoring consumer complaints.

Why this is a problem: 73% of FCC complaints in the first quarter of 2009 regarding wireless services were related to unsolicited marketing calls or messages. FCC complaints are easy for consumers to file. If you don’t resolve a consumer complaint quickly, often the next step is a complaint to the FCC. This can lead to increased industry regulation or inquiries into your specific marketing practices.

How you can avoid this problem: Assign a specific person or group to address consumer complaints regarding your campaign quickly.

9. Violating GAPP using Bluetooth proximity marketing.

Why this is a problem: Even if a consumer isn’t charged for receiving a message via Bluetooth, pushing unsolicited content onto a mobile device via Bluetooth can seem as invasive to a consumer as receiving an unwanted text message.

How you can avoid this problem: Familiarize yourself with each of the GAPP principles. Make sure your Bluetooth proximity campaign complies with the GAPP framework.

10. Ignoring contest and promotion rules because it is easy to conduct a contest via a mobile device.

Why this is a problem: State and Federal laws and regulations regarding contests, sweepstakes and lotteries apply to no matter how the promotion is delivered.

How you can avoid this problem: Treat your mobile promotions just like any other promotion. Use the same legal review and clearance process prior to launch.

This article was prepared for informational purposes and is not legal advice. You should not act upon this information without seeking advice from a lawyer licensed in your own state or country.

Tammi Franke is an experienced business executive and lawyer. She advises software, leasing, consulting, and other emerging and established marketing, communication and technology companies. Her specialties include licensing, business organization, corporate finance, and commercial matters.

She has experience in entertainment law, software licensing, and consulting services, a wide range of debt and equity financings, including venture capital and other private placements, and commercial lending.

She is formerly the Executive Director of Lawyers for the Creative Arts in Chicago and is currently an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University in the Graduate Program in Public Relations and Advertising.

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

Kelly Stickel, Director of Mobile University 101, is making preparations for what will be an interactive, one-day educational mobile event in Chicago, Illinois. Mobile University is the inaugural event of the Heartland Mobile Council, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the mobile industry and marketers.

Kelly and her committee of twenty business professionals are putting together a curriculum designed to educate, engage and connect those interested in leveraging the mobile marketing channel to drive their bottom line. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen and learn from experts, while featured breakout sessions will provide deeper dives into mobile topics of interest and create networking opportunities for participants.

The event includes an expert speaker lineup that will address topics such as:

Building a strategic mobile foundation

Technologies available for mobile marketing execution

Using mobile for lead generation, brand loyalty and monetization

Metrics for measuring success

Mobile University will attract brand managers, retailers, entrepreneurs, technology companies, business owners, ad agencies, direct marketers, market research firms, and anyone seeking insight and success stories around the power of mobile marketing.

The event will be held at the Spertus Institute at 601 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, from 8am to 5pm. For information about sponsorship, speaking opportunities and event registration, please contact Kelly Stickel at (312) 371-9302 or Kelly@mobiu101.com. Additional information is available on the event website at http://www.mobiu101.com.

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

On December 16, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes virtual guest speaker Raimo van der Klein, CEO of Layar. Raimo will be presenting Augmented Reality: The Birth of a Medium. He will explore how to leverage this new medium to deliver relevant and context aware services to your customers.

Following the insightful mobile industry presentation, attendees will split into themed mobile “20/20″ breakout sessions, where they will enjoy networking opportunities and share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

On December 16, the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes virtual guest speaker Raimo van der Klein presenting on Augmented Reality: The Birth of a Medium.

A foremost innovator of augmented reality, Raimo van der Klein is the CEO of Layar, the Netherlands-based company that created the world’s first mobile augmented reality browser. Raimo will present on how to leverage this new medium to deliver relevant and context aware services to customers.

Check out this example of augmented reality technology by Layar:

Mobile is clearly a disruptive technology and affects nearly every industry. Presenters will address major global factors impacting the mobile industry and highlight success stories.

Following the insightful mobile industry presentation, attendees will split into themed mobile “20/20” breakout sessions, where they will enjoy networking opportunities and share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

In this roundtable, participants will:

• Learn more about one of the most discussed topics in marketing and media: Augmented Reality.
• Find out the best ways to use augmented reality.
• Understand why augmented reality is one of the most important channels to deliver relevant and context aware services to customers.

ITA roundtables are a benefit of ITA membership. Members of the general Illinois technology community are always welcome to check out any ITA roundtables free-of-charge. Roundtable events are held in downtown Chicago, across from the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower) at 200 S Wacker Dr, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 924-1681
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the speaker, Raimo van der Klein
Raimo is CEO at Layar, Co-Founder at SPRXmobile and Founder Mobile Monday, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Layar is the creator of the world’s first mobile Augmented Reality browser. Layar has recently been featured on NPR, Fast Company, CNN, TechCrunch and Mashable. As Partner and Co-founder of SPRXmobile, a strategic creative consultancy specializing in mobile, Raimo has served clients including T-Mobile, ING and Vodafone. Prior roles include marketing and purchasing for Maxeda, sales and marketing at Nokia and Innovation Manager at LPN specializing in the consumer market. Raimo writes for one of the leading marketing blogs in the Netherlands.

About The Mobile Visionary Roundtable
The Mobile Visionary Roundtable offers a forum for ITA members to engage in active networking and interactive, high-gain, topical discussions regarding mobile marketing and technology. The monthly Mobile Visionary Roundtables feature mobile expert guest speakers, including mobile strategists, marketers and developers from around the world.

About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of more than 650 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information is available at http://www.IllinoisTech.org

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.

The Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes virtual guest speaker, Christopher Billich. Christopher is the SVP of Research & Strategy at Infinita, Tokyo, Japan. Chris speaks often throughout the world on mobile innovation. Chris will be answering the question, “How can we apply what already works in Japan in our mobile market?”

The Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) welcomes virtual guest speaker, Christopher Billich. Christopher is the Senior Vice President of Research & Strategy at Infinita, Tokyo, Japan. Chris speaks often throughout the world on mobile innovation. He will review the trends he is seeing as a widely respected mobile industry thought leader and researcher. Chris will be answering the question, “How can we apply what already works in Japan in our mobile market?”

Japan has 100 million users of advanced third-generation smartphones, twice the number used in the United States. Japan’s at the forefront of mobile thought leadership ranging from mobile wallets to mobile TV with built-in shopping. New technologies, devices and services are being developed to further empower our mobile lives. Chris will share his views on where this exciting new market is headed.

Insightful mobile industry education will be followed by themed mobile “20/20″ breakout sessions and networking to share best practices in mobile marketing, technology and application development.

In this roundtable, participants will:

Understand why 9 in 10 Japanese use the Mobile Internet

See how mobile phones are being used as digital wallets, TVs, health
monitoring devices – and how they can even help to keep your shoes dry

New members are always welcome to attend free-of-charge and ITA roundtables are available to the general Chicagoland business community. Roundtable events are held in downtown Chicago, across from the Sears Tower (now named the Willis Tower) at 200 S Wacker Dr, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606.

About the speaker, Christopher BillichChristopher is the Senior Vice President of Research & Strategy at Infinita, Tokyo, Japan

Christopher’s research helps to answer the question, “How can we apply what already works in Japan in our mobile market?” Infinita works with clients across Europe, Asia and the US, including companies like Orange, Qualcomm, DoCoMo.com and IBM. Christopher’s perspective is one from a mobile mature market and his areas of focus include mobile commerce, mobile advertising and NFC contactless payments. Prior to joining Infinita, his assignments as a consultant included Vodafone D2 Germany, BenQ Mobile and Deutsche Telekom.

About The Mobile Visionary RoundtableThe Mobile Visionary Roundtable offers a forum for ITA members to engage in active networking and interactive, high-gain, topical discussions regarding mobile marketing and technology. The monthly Mobile Visionary Roundtables feature mobile expert guest speakers, including mobile strategists, marketers and developers from around the world.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Chairs:

Tim Cascio (262) 938-5543
tcascio[at]bader-rutter.com

Raymond J. Reinhardt (312) 924-1681
Raymond@Cuddlephish.com

About the Illinois Technology Association
The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) represents the interests of a diverse membership of more than 550 companies in Illinois that create, deploy and utilize information technology as a core part of their organization. By connecting members with industry peers and participants, providing the latest strategic information, market research and critical market insight and by promoting key thought leaders to raise visibility and gain a greater market awareness and presence, ITA is focused on building and developing the Illinois technology community through collaboration. Additional information is available at http://www.illinoistech.org

Tim Cascio is the author of the Mobile Marketing, Monetization and Methods blog, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Mobile Visionary Roundtable at the Illinois Technology Association and Sr. Digital Strategist at Bader Rutter & Associates, an award-winning integrated marketing services agency that specializes in advertising, public relations, brand asset management, relationship marketing and digital solutions. Tim is @timcascio on Twitter and can be reached in the United States at 262-938-5543.

Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can help you through my network or otherwise. Your comments below are welcome.